Kaunertal Snowboarding Spring Break 2014
For more than 20 years, the arrival of Spring has meant the UK snowboard industry decamps en masse to Europe for The Snowboard Test, the annual industry get together, product evaluation, staff training, and blow-off-steam week.
The Snowboard Test was always the most fantastic value for money trip of the season and has given shop owners and staff the the opportunity to ride all of next year’s products and use the time for staff training, photo shoots, video reviews.
James North
Spring break
In 2013 the decision was taken to throw the event open wider than merely an industry event and Spring Break was born. Almost 300 members of the public, industry people, pros, shop kids – and above all, SNOWBOARDERS – made the journey to Austria for the most successful. Event ever, now in 2014, we’re back for more.
There will be a packed schedule of events, both on and off hill to make sure that you get the most from the trip – not only will you shred all day, checking out all of next year’s kit and getting first hand experience of the products you’ll be buying next season, there will be competitions and evening events to keep the stoke levels up to maximum.
Spring Break runs from the 26th April – 2nd May, but there are shorter packages available for those with less time to spare. Prices start at €154 for three nights accommodation and three days lift ticket
Schedule
The following is just a rough schedule, please come back regularly as new events are being added to the running order every week
Saturday 26th April – Welcome to Spring Break!
Arrival day - People will be getting into resort throughout the day depending on their flights and the connections that they make. There is no riding planned on the hill for this day, but if you arrive early enough you are welcome to make your own way up – you’ll need to buy a lift ticket though, as event tickets start on the Sunday.
Evening – The welcome meeting will take place in the Pfiffalm bar in the centre of town at 2100. Please come down, say hi and see how the test part of the event works.
Sunday 27th May
Testing starts at 0900 on the hill. Ride as many boards, boots and bindings as you can but don’t forget to fill in your test cards! The park will be open and the worst of the weekend crowds will be thinning out.
Afternoon/evening – The White Lines Rail Jam will get things going in a free to enter head to head jibfest, with cash prizes on the line for those who impress. Once we’re down the hill, it’s chill time – maybe a few beers, a shower and some dinner before the White Lines party at the PfiffAlm.
Monday 28th April
Second day of the test and once the weekend warriors have gone home, there are far fewer people in resort, so we virtually have the park to ourselves. Get stuck into the board testing, shred the park, have fun… You’re on HOLIDAY!
Lunchtime - Ahoy, me hearties! Strap in for the first annual Spring Break Treasure Hunt! Entrants get a map with the checkpoints marked on it. Choose your route, perform tasks at the checkpoints manned by brands like Crab Grab, Ortovox, Stance, Spy and more. First one back with the fully completed manifest wins the prize. YARRGHHH!
Tuesday 29th April
The last day of riding for the short trip Spring Breakers and the last opportunity to get your testing done. Get shredding and enjoy!
Lunchtime - Dragon Methodical Madness. Watch as the Kaunertal park turns into an homage to the Method – the most stylish trick in snowboarding! Think you\ve got a Method to Rival Jamie Lynn’s? Or last year’s winner Lewis Sonvico’s? Turn up and show us what you’ve got!
Afternoon – Analog Après – as the riding winds down, Analog crank up the dodgy oompah music and bust out the beers… KILLER fun
Evening – The Monster Party! Spring Break’s Energy Drink of choice brings the noise with a night of hardcore partying and rock music. This one will be tons of fun!
Wednesday 30th April
We’ll wave a tearful farewell to the short Spring Breakers who have to head back to home and work, before getting back on the hill and shredding the park for them… We’re good like that! Keep testing the product that you’ll be buying next winter – your perfect set up is here somewhere!
Evening – The Pub Quiz. Back by popular demand, the Pub Quiz is equal parts brain teasing and mind numbing, with every round of questions punctuated by a ‘Stunt Challenge’ round where you gain points for succesfully completing physical tasks. Expect equal parts of stupidity and creativity
Thursday 1st May
The last official day of the test and your last chance to check out the products you want to put on your shortlist for next year.
Friday 2nd May
With weary hearts we wind down Spring Break for 2014. The last day is a freeride day, don’t expect much activity in the test area – we’ll be riding. The test room shuts at 12pm SHARP!
Check the website for further updates!